Since hoisting the "insurgent country" banner in 1995, Chicago's Bloodshot Records has provided refuge for former punk rockers who embrace Hank Williams Sr. as patron saint and Lefty Frizzell as kindred spirit. Informed by... more &raquo equal measures of attitude, alcohol, and twang, this raucously vibrant birthday collection of previously unreleased material resists the corral of categorical conformity. Instead, highlights range from the Waco Brothers' banjo-driven breakdown of the Who's "Baba O'Riley" to the shimmering, haunted ballad, "Favorite," by Neko Case and Jon Rauhouse. Featured within the 40 tracks on this two-disc extravaganza are label stalwarts such as Alejandro Escovedo (renewing Mick Jagger's "Evening Gown"), Robbie Fulks, and Kelly Hogan, along with guest artists ranging from Graham Parker to Giant Sand. Plainly a labor of love, the set provides a definitive survey of the diversity of music carrying the alternative-country brand. --Don McLeese&laquo less

Synopsis

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Since hoisting the "insurgent country" banner in 1995, Chicago's Bloodshot Records has provided refuge for former punk rockers who embrace Hank Williams Sr. as patron saint and Lefty Frizzell as kindred spirit. Informed by equal measures of attitude, alcohol, and twang, this raucously vibrant birthday collection of previously unreleased material resists the corral of categorical conformity. Instead, highlights range from the Waco Brothers' banjo-driven breakdown of the Who's "Baba O'Riley" to the shimmering, haunted ballad, "Favorite," by Neko Case and Jon Rauhouse. Featured within the 40 tracks on this two-disc extravaganza are label stalwarts such as Alejandro Escovedo (renewing Mick Jagger's "Evening Gown"), Robbie Fulks, and Kelly Hogan, along with guest artists ranging from Graham Parker to Giant Sand. Plainly a labor of love, the set provides a definitive survey of the diversity of music carrying the alternative-country brand. --Don McLeese

CD Reviews

"The Bloodshot Gang knows how to have a good time! If you're into the whole Alt.Country thing, you know that some of it is very sincere and serious (ie, Uncle Tupelo, Jayhawks). Now I love "No Depression," and "Blue Earth," but this is an altogether different quadrant of alternative country known as Militant Honky Tonk, or just Insurgent Country. Truth be told, this incredible anniversary compilation does have some poignant, serious numbers (Rico Bell's "Money to Burn," the Texas Rubies' "Blue Diamond Mine," Mike Ireland's "I'd Like To"), but for the most part these maniacs are not taking themselves or the world that seriously. You've got Andre Williams and Sally Timms singing "I'll stick to you like glue...", in mock romantic seriousness with background singers going "G-L-E-U, GLUE!" You've got a song with a man and a woman serenading each other saying with deep country feeling how much they miss each other's bodies. You've got Kim Docter and Moonshine Willy belting out "Turn the Lights Down Low," which really ought to be a hit it's so catchy. And you've got some great deadpan covers -- the Waco Brothers do a country rave-up of the Who's Baba O'Riley," Red Star Belgrade does it to AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," and best of all, the Unholy Trio turns Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise" into an understated redneck anthem. I'm only scratching the surface here, with 40 tracks over 2 discs. This is a great introduction to the rowdier side of that sprawling beast that has not a name that can be agreed on...

"Let's get this out in the open first....I am not a big fan of country music. While I respect the artistry that goes into classic Nashville music and have a real soft spot for Patsy Cline, most country leaves me pretty cold, and today's country really does. I much prefer the earthiness of traditional folk and roots music. With these prejudices in mind, I have avoided anything with "country" in the name for many years. So when a friend of mine who I respect started extolling the virtues of alternative country I resisted. Then I heard this recording and my mind changed. This stuff is fresh, creative and truly authentic music. Alternative country began to gain steam in the mid 90s. Some groups are based in traditional "country" areas like Nashville, but much of the movement is centered in less traditional areas...like Chicago. Bloodshot Records is one of the leading independent labels presenting this music and they are based here in the Windy City. Most alternative country musicians got their starts as indie rockers or neo-punks in the early 90s. They became disenchanted with the commercialization of indie rock and were searching for something deeper. They found it in the music of Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny and June Carter Cash. These groups traded in their spiked hair for cowboy hats and leather jackets for western shirts, but they kept many of the things that made there punk sensibilities, dark humor, commitment to noise and edgy instrumental work, and a left wing radicalism that is usually not associated with country, but was a deep part of the folk movement of the 30s. The result is a hard country roots music for the new millennium. This recording is a steal. Two disc with 20 tracks each by some of Bloodshot's best recording acts or by friends and supporters of the label. The material ranges from punkified rockabilly (Johnny Dowd of the Mekons) to covers of great rock songs (The Waco Brothers wonderful cover of the Who's Baba O'Rilley) to haunting folk ballads (The Texas Rubies Blue Diamond Mines is maybe the most haunting cut on the recording.) Some groups resemble the Cramps and other rockabilly punks of the 80s, while others are close to mainstream country in sound if not sensibility. Standouts on the disc include Alejandro Escovedo's beautiful cover of the Stone's Evening Gown complete with high lonesome backing vocals, Neko Case's unusual Favorite, Anna Fermin's beautiful Patsy Cline influenced vocal on Oh Lonesome Me, The Blacks punky Why Drunky, The Sadies haunting Milk and Scissors with almost surreal lyrics, Trailer Brides scary Ghost on the Highway, and Ryan Addams almost power pop Monday Night. There are two cuts on the album that especially haunt me, The Handsome Family does a beautiful new song in the tradition of old Appalachian mourning ballads, singing about the death of a child in a family. And Chris Mills and Deanna Varagona team up for a haunting duet in high lonesome fashion accompanied by just guitar and mandolin. If you are new to alternative country, this is a wonderful album to introduce you to its many styles. There will be things here you consider gems and some that you feel aren't as worthy.... inevitable with any compilation. But the good cuts outnumber the bad ones, and there are maybe ten great cuts. This music is infectious. I warn you, you too may trade in your Doc Martens for a good pair of boots after hearing this stuff."

Never a better compilation.

M. Nichols | West Chester, OH United States | 06/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Always one to be wary of compilations, especially those produced by record labels to show off their talent, I approached this with caution, but not much - it's Bloodshot, after all. The bargain price was the clincher and I can honestly say that this incredible 2-disc set hasn't left the changer since I bought it.

I assume you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't already familiar with one or more of Bloodshot's artists - so what's keeping you? I've listened over a dozen times and there's not a throwaway to be found (though the discs lack a Scroat Belly track!). Comparable in some ways to the Pine Valley Cosmonauts records, this is an incredible parade of artists.

Highlights include Alejandro Escovedo's cover of "Evening Gown" with Jonboy Langford guesting, The Meat Purveyors' "Sunshine," the Wacos' "Baba O'Riley" rivals the original. My favorite of all, however, is the Public Enemy cover, "Bring the Noise," by the Unholy Trio - actually improved in a C&W setting.

Buy a six-pack and invite a friend over. Then buy six more between discs one and two because this music makes you mighty thirsty."

Five Year Anniversary of Bloodshot Records

Lonnie E. Holder | Columbus, Indiana, United States | 04/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My first exposure to "insurgent country" was the first Bloodshot Records CD, "For a Life of Sin." I was amazed at how innovative and enjoyable this country music was compared to the pop pap spewed by so many so-called country artists today. This CD commemorates Bloodshot Records' fifth Anniversary, and contains two CDs of remarkable and slightly twisted country music.

There seems to be a dichotomy between those who listen to these CDs. Those people who prefer pop music sung with a country twang rather than real country seem to not like this music. Those people who prefer classic country and also enjoy rock typically seem to like this music. I asked someone recently whether my description, country music as the Grateful Dead might have played it, was appropriate, and he agreed.

As with "For a Life of Sin," this CD contains a wide range of musical styles. There is what I call classic or traditional country, though it is greatly updated and improved (insurgent, perhaps?), bluegrass, blues, gospel, rockabilly, and even some country-rock, emphasizing country. Since there are 40 tracks on two CDs I am unable to review each song individually. However, amongst this collection of remarkable music are several songs that transcend their brethren. I apologize in advance if I missed including your favorite song.

"Making Love with You" by the Old 97's is a funny song, nearly a novelty song. The lyrics make me laugh every time I hear them. "Favorite" by Neko Case and Jon Rauhouse is a beautiful song that contains elements of New Age. I would describe this song as alternative country because of the vocals and unique ending. There is an excellent cover of "Oh Lonesome Me" by Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel that slows the song down and makes it even bluer than the previous versions I have heard.

"Sunshine" by the Meat Purveyors is a bluegrass song on speed, done very well. If you like John Cougar you may also like "Money to Burn" by Rico Bell and the Snakehandlers, which I call country-rock. A wonderful twangy song with both male and female lead vocals is "The Least I Could Do" by Supersuckers with Amy Nelson. I could hear Dolly Parton singing this song. Get raucous and rowdy with "Going Home" by the Roughnecks, another country-rock song.

Another bizarre alternative country song is "Hell or High Water" by Johnny Dowd. I am unsure of how to describe this song. Think B-52s in combination with the Talking Heads, and that only catches a flavor or this unique song. The song is really not a country song, but it is very different, and I think this song is one of my personal favorites from this disc. I noticed that others did not care for this song. Given how strange it is, I think I can understand that.

For another excellent classic country song, listen to "Unforgiven" by Hazeldine. The song is heart rending, slow and sad. The harmonies are nicely done and the music is solid; a wonderful bar and slow dance song.

The first disc finishes off with the first country version of the Who's "Baba O'Riley" that I can recall having heard. Much of the rock flavor has been retained, but this version has acquired a solid foot-stomping country flavor. There are plenty of moments that tie this version to the Who's original, but the rest is a unique interpretation.

The first song on the second disc is a celebration of Bloodshot Record's five year anniversary. "Bloodshot's Turning 5" is sung in a crooner style that dates back to the 1930s by Robbie Fulks. The following song continues the humor with classic country style. "Here Comes My Ball and Chain Again" by The Cornell Hurd Band will put a smile on anyone's face. Another humorous song is Nora O'Connor's blues song "Looks Like I'm Up Shit Creek Again." Nora's sincere voice and the mellow music contrast humorously with the lyrics.

The Sadie's "Milk and Scissors" is another bizarre, but excellent song. "Glue" by Andre Williams and Sally Timms with its G-L-E-U lyrics is the longest song on the two discs, and contains excellent rock-influenced music. "Guitar Playin Woman" by Bare Jr. has a rap-like beginning. "Ghost on the Highway" by Trailer Bride is country head banging music, and as unique as anything on these two discs. "Train Song" by Split Lip Rayfield is an excellent bluegrass song that will have you moving your feet, if you can keep up with its speed.

Just when you think you understand the direction a genre of music is taking you hear music from Bloodshot Records. This music has been called alternative country. I prefer to think of this type of music as being closer to traditional or classic country (and bluegrass) than much of the commercial music performed by mainstream artists, who sing highly sterilized pop with just enough country twang to place their songs in the "country" category. That is not country, that is marketing. Challenge your perceptions of country music. Buy this CD and learn how interesting and fun country music can still be."

They used to call it Rock-a-billy

Peter D. Page | Wickenburg, AZ USA | 12/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This two CD set is precious ! This is the raw stuff that alternative-country-rock-blues-small bar bands are made of.
If you love good stuff...country with plenty of guts and blood and beer, pedal steel twang, good hard driving bass lines, then buy this NOW. Excellent mixes back and forth between slow and fast. Altogether, very well put together."